Winter/Spring 2026 – Message From the President

The organic movement was built on deep conviction: the belief that how we grow food, how we raise animals, and how we relate to the environment matters deeply to soil, water, communities, and future generations. This conviction remains at the heart of everything we do at PCO.

At our Fall board retreat, our Board reaffirmed two commitments that will guide PCO’s next chapter. First, we confirmed unwavering support for the principles of organic agriculture and the integrity of the organic standard. Second, we confirmed our determination to deliver truly best-in-class service to the farmers, processors, and businesses who trust us with their certification.

These are not competing priorities; they are deeply interconnected and strengthen one another.

As regulatory complexity increases and market pressures mount, our role is not simply to administer compliance. We also have a profound responsibility to steward trust: trust in the organic seal and trust in the experience of working with PCO. Earning that trust on an ongoing basis requires both rigor and responsiveness.

To that end, the Board has asked our Executive Director, Chris Solt, to fully own the PCO client experience and make it as strong as possible. We have encouraged him to show up, listen deeply, and engage directly with our client base -- not only to understand challenges, but to continuously improve how we serve. Listening is not passive; it is how we remain relevant, grounded, and effective. Since he joined PCO in October of last year, Chris has hit the ground running, visiting with farmers, ranchers and officials in Pennsylvania and beyond. I’ve been impressed by Chris’ ability to connect with our producers and truly listen, and I’m confident this work will lead PCO to more fully support the organic farmers and processors we serve.

Our 2026 organizational goals reflect this direction. We are aligning internal systems, clarifying priorities, and strengthening operations so that we can support organic agriculture with excellence — through credible certification, clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and meaningful partnership.

Organic agriculture will continue to face scrutiny, change, and opportunity. PCO intends to meet that future with integrity, professionalism, and a client experience that reflects the values of the movement itself.

Thank you for the work you do every day to advance organic. We remain committed to standing with you and serving you well.

Joe Dickson
Board President
PCO Certified Organic

Founder and Principal - Lot 49 Advisors